Shura Chairman highlights media institutions' role in highlighting national achievements

Manama, Mar. 27 (BNA): Shura Council Chairman, Ali bin Saleh Al-Saleh, has affirmed that various media and press outlets assume important national responsibilities, and contribute to highlighting the kingdom’s successes and achievements during His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s prosperous era, as well as the efforts being made by the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He commended the development witnessed by the media sector in the kingdom, citing its great interest in keeping pace with modern technology and new media and using them to adopt issues and topics that support sustainable development. Al-Saleh made the statements while receiving here today the Chief Executive Officer of the National Communication Centre (NCC), Yousif Albinkhalil, Editor-in-Chief of “Akhbar Al-Khaleej” newspaper, Anwar Abdulrahman, Editor-in-Chief of “Al-Bilad” newspaper, Moanes Al-Mardi, Editor-in-Chief of “Al-Watan” newspaper, Ehab Ahmed, Editor-in-Chief of “Al-Ayam” newspaper, Jassim Mansoor, and the Director-General of the Bahrain News Agency (BNA), Abdulla Buhejji. The Shura Chairman praised the great role played by NCC, local newspapers and BNA, and commended the tremendous efforts exerted by journalists and media professionals at various press and media institutions, noting that the kingdom guarantees the freedom of opinion and expression, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and local laws, being the cornerstone of the kingdom’s democratic process. He indicated that media outlets’ positive openness to digital media and the fields of creativity and innovation it provides, confirms their continuous endeavours to advance the enlightening media message, and present it in advanced methods that are compatible with modern media trends. He hailed the effective role played by Bahrain media institutions in supporting the work of the legislative branch, citing their keenness to use newspapers, websites and social media accounts to promote the parliamentary culture, inform the public opinion about its efforts to enact legislation and develop the local legal system. He affirmed that the Shura Council will pay special attention to studying the new press and media law once it is referred to it in accordance with the constitutional procedures in force. He also asserted that media institutions are essential partners and part of the kingdom’s legislative achievements. NCC chief, editors-in-chief of local newspapers and BNA Director-General expressed appreciation for the dedicated efforts exerted by the Shura Council Chairman and members, noting that bilateral meetings and exchange of views enhance partnership, cooperation and coordination between the legislative branch and media institutions for the best interests of the nation and the citizens.